Iran's deputy foreign minister says the country is prepared for any situation, even war, if the row over its nuclear weapons programme is not resolved.
The country's president has also warned there will be no break and no reverse gear in its nuclear fuel production.
The statements were made as Iran announced it has launched its first rocket capable of reaching space
Iranian state television announced that the country today successfully tested its first space rocket.
However, officials said later the launch was for research purposes and the rocket would not go into orbit.
Today's launch comes at a time of mounting tension between Tehran and the West over Iran's controversial nuclear programme.
This afternoon President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivered another provocative speech, insisting there is no going back on Iran's nuclear activities. He likened his country's nuclear programme to a train with no breaks and no reverse gear.
His deputy foreign minister, Manouchehr Mohammadi said they were prepared for any situation, "even for war".
The US responded by saying that what Iran needs to do is halt weapon's-related activities.
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany are due to meet tomorrow to discuss the possibility of more sanctions over the nuclear issue.
